Devlin's Luck (Sword of Change, Book 1) [Mass Market Paperback]

Patricia Bray (Author)

Book Description

Series: Sword of Change | Publication Date: April 30, 2002

The once mighty kingdom of Jorsk is in decline, its borders beset by enemies, both worldly and otherworldly. The king has retreated to the capital, abandoning the far-flung provinces. The only hope of the people lies in their Chosen One, blessed by the gods as defender of the realm. But of late every Chosen One has died, targeted by the harshest of the enemy attacks.

Only the most desperate of men now seek that post. Devlin Stonehand is a desperate man. Overwhelmed by grief at the death of his family, he has lost the will to live. But he has vowed to provide for his brother’s widow and children, and the post of the Chosen One carries with it a substantial reward.

For Devlin, a farmer and metalsmith, it is the answer to his prayers—prayers that include a yearning for the oblivion of death. After he has won the post, though, Devlin discovers that sometimes the hardest goal to achieve is that which had once seemed the simplest. For unlike the other Chosen Ones, he persists in surviving. Are the gods just tormenting him further, or does he have a greater destiny than he imagined? Can a man who courts death ever truly come to embrace life?

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

In the Kingdom of Jorsk, the divinely appointed position of Chosen One has seemed more of a curse than a blessing, for everyone who has had that honor has died defending the kingdom. Devlin Stonehand, a man with nothing to lose, welcomes the position as an easy road to the death he seeks if he can only stop surviving the challenges that come his way. Bray's first novel features a likable, flawed hero who fights his own inner demons to serve his conscience and his honor. A good choice for most fantasy collections.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

In the decaying kingdom of Jorsk, the search is on for the Chosen One, who will beat the realm's enemies back from the walls of the capital and solve every problem except the price of beer. Unfortunately, Chosen Ones have a nasty tendency to be killed. But widower Devlin Stonehand is desperate enough to seek the post, whose emoluments will permit him to support his brother's widow and children. Besides, he probably will achieve oblivion in death for himself. Instead he becomes the first Chosen One in a long time not to be annihilated in short order, and, while performing all the duties of his demanding post, he has to wonder why. If Bray doesn't startle us with her vast originality, she certainly hooks us with absorbing storytelling. A good read for adventure fans with like Raymond Feist or Terry Brooks. Roland Green
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Spectra (April 30, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0553584758
• ISBN-13: 978-0553584752
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 1.1 x 6.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #812,614 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Patricia Bray began her career writing historical novels set in Regency-era England before making the leap to epic fantasy with the sale of her "Sword of Change" trilogy. A resident of upstate New York, Patricia balances her writing with a full-time career in I/T.

In 2003 her novel DEVLIN'S LUCK received the Compton Crook award for the best first novel in the field of Science Fiction or Fantasy.

Her latest novel is THE FINAL SACRIFICE, was released in July 2008.
To learn more and read excerpts from her books, visit the author's website at: www.patriciabray.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An enjoyable fantasy book with heart, June 29, 2002

By 

YH "Mouse" (Irvine, Ca USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Devlin's Luck (Sword of Change, Book 1) (Mass Market Paperback)

I really enjoyed this book. Although some of the readers said that it is standard fare, I feel that it is more than that. Yes, the story line is predictable and the outcome of the hero's life and story seem to be fairly standard. However, the central theme of the book and its presentation is anything but common. I have read a lot of fantasy or sword and sorcery books. ... ...However, it is far better than some of the more common sword and sorcery stories. The characters are more complex, and the issues are not as black and white. The moral issues, the legal issues, and the complexity of the intertwining human relationship that this book deals with has made this book more interesting, more complex, and more real than many fantasy book I have found in the book stores.

In addition, the question of "what makes a good leader? Who is truly a good leader?" is asked again and again. The nobles believe they are leaders of the country because they are born to the leadership. The king is born to be king, but he is so afraid to act because of his fear of failure. An uncouth peasant from the countryside with integrity and honesty and a true sense of responsibility is actually a better leader than someone who is more educated and more sophisticated. I think a lot of our own politicians should read this book and learn.

Finally, because of its theme and because it's so entertaining that I can't put it down, I gave it a 5-star rating.

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Look! It's Exactly Like You Thought it Was!, May 31, 2002

By 

Jeremiah Sturgill (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Devlin's Luck (Sword of Change, Book 1) (Mass Market Paperback)

This book is fun, but mostly because it's such an easy, easy read - it requires very little thought, and if you're in the mood for a fantasy book, it fills that need quite ably.

I found it quite amusing on several levels, not the least being that while reading it, you'll be thinking to yourself, "You know, Devlin's kind of a stereotypical fantasy guy. Not a lot of depth there," and a paragraph later she'll switch to another character's viewpoint who will agonize over misjudging the man, and recognizing what an amazing resevoir of depth Devlin has.

The world and characters are sometimes clumsily realized, but to be honest, that's a large part of the appeal. Not that I don't expect her to improve, but it's a win win situation - this book is good because it's good (and bad), but as she gets better the sequels, hopefully, will get to be just be good (and good).

I got tired of plodding through Robert Jordan's works a while ago; thankfully, this book, and hopefully the series, is simple, straightforward, and fun.

Worth buying if you're a big fantasy fan, and it might even be eye-opening if you're new to the genre. I'd probably give it 3 stars (maybe more) for talent, but for simple, pretty delightful entertainment, what the heck. 4's about right.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars wonderful fantasy adventure, April 30, 2002

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Devlin's Luck (Sword of Change, Book 1) (Mass Market Paperback)

Duncaer is a country occupied by the conquering forces of the mighty Jorst Empire. Vet, Devlin Stoneland, named Kinslayer by the people of Duncaer marches into the conqueror's capital city of Kingsholm to win the substantial payment by becoming the Country's Chosen One. He is found worthy and a magical geas is placed on him, forcing him to protect the realm even if it costs him his life.

Without any family or home to call his own, Devlin seeks death and believes that the danger facing the Chosen One will give him the reward he seeks. Three times he places his life in danger to protect the people of the realm and three times he emerges the victor. His exploits are talked about in political circles and without even trying, he becomes the rallying point of a nation. Now the man who sought death seeks to lead the people against the enemies of Jorst.

DEVLIN'S LUCK is a beautiful sword and sorcery tale yet despite all the heroic battles, the magical attacks, and the deadly politics, it is the hero who brings heart to this story. Devlinis a tortured soul, who in spite of himself, finds redemption by saving lives and becoming a leader that a country, an empire and even a world needs. Patricia Bray is a grand storyteller who provides a wonderful fantasy adventure.

Harriet Klausner